Just need some support, started to detox myself off of 10 mg. methadone 4 days ago?

I was in a clinic for 16 yrs (40 mg- down to 10 and was on 10 for 5 of those years). I walked out 1 1/2 yrs ago and have taken 1 10 mg. per day but am tired of finding them when they are scarce so I opted to quit. I have taken 1/2 a pill (5 mg) for 4 days and will be out of pills in 3 more days. Should I try and get more and gradually go even lower or just bite the bullet and buy no more. I am 59 years old and do physical work so it may be hard but I am really into getting away from the methadone. Its going on 18 years since I got high , Buying the methadone makes me feel like I felt back when I used. Scouring around for it and all I want to do is keep working and living my life. I know with some support I can do it. Hope to talk with you soon.

Responses (3)

I would reduce to as little as possible. Methadone is a long acting med, as you know, you won't feel the reduction in dosage until around the 3 to 5 day after reducing. The rule of thumb for methadone is "the slower the better".

If you can get more than I would recommend reducing to as little as possible over as much time as possible particularly at the lower doses. This way you will avoid most of the withdrawals and be able to continue working.

Dear bunkassemblyqueen,Welcome to this site! I have never taken Methadone but from what I have read Laurie is absolutely correct! I came from Opana 3 tablets (120mg) down to 1 (40mg tablet) I still have the desire even though I take it for Chronic pain to be on as low a dose as possible, I understand the feeling of wanting to be free from the Methadone, just be careful and do it slowly as Laurie suggests, just know that there are so many caring compassionate people who want to see you come through this, please feel free to post, ask questions or if you just need support.

Thanks so much Laurie. It feels so good to know someone is out there with Real Knowledge of the situation. I am going to try to slowly reduce the amount and hope in a couple of days to know exactly how I am going to go about this. I will post more soon. Again, thanks for your encouraging words."B"

Hi von-1Thanks for your encouragement, I will definitely keep posting as I hopefully progress. Its great to hear from you."B"

AN

Anonymous12 Jul 2011

"B", if you really want to get cln you can do it. I've seen it done. I am not going to say it is easy but you can do it. No beer drinking ! OK??? We get to the age we need a clean sober life, because we realize life is sliping us by. Godd luck. Von

Hello there Bunka, i have only just joined this site myself. I am on 80mg which i think is 18mls im not dumb i just get confused as i am jumping all over the place trying to reduce by myself. i was on 150mg and decided one day just to stop taking it. i made it ten days and rang an ambulance. i dont know how much help i can be to you but hopefully i say something that will make you smile. My doc prescribes my 30mg serapax & 5mg valium to reduce the serepax. i also got prescribed cymbalta which apparently calms you as well as working as a anti depressant but i dont take them. have never as i dont know anything about. What would you take if you could? Are you presribed any meds im interested to know if you ask your doc for stuff, he says yes no or if u just get by however? im interested to know. Maybe we should all drink more beer ! talk soon, Skins1970.

Skins, its great to hear from you. No, I havent told my Dr. anything..after leaving the clinic, its just me, trying to figure it all out. So I reached out to all of you. I may have to go to a Dr. if my nerves cant take it, but intent to try very hard to not take anything else at least until I have to. Sounds like you have a plan... I agree with you about the cymbalta... I would have to read up on it, but at first I would stick with the serapax and valium and leave the cymbalta alone unless it becomes necessary. As for an icy cold one... sounds wonderful as I have been working all day in over 100 degree heat. Take care and hope to talk with you again. "B"